The Definition Essay

def-i-ni-tion (def' e-nish' en) n. 1. The act of defining a word, phrase, or term. 2. The act of
making clear and distinct. 3. A determining of outline, extent, or limits.

Consider the following guidelines as you write your definition essay:

Make your essay personal, amusing, vigorous, stimulating, memorable.

Choose a generic topic rather than a specific topic. For example, write about churches but
not Westminster Abbey.

What is it?
Definition is the explanation of a word. It answers the question: “What does it mean?”
Definitions come in two types. A formal definition is a short definition that states the meaning
of a word in one or two sentences (dictionary definition). This type is used for explaining words
that might be unfamiliar to the reader (“utilitarianism”), or for giving a particular meaning to a
general term (“Wilderness is a state of mind as well as a place.”). An extended definition is a
long definition in which the word refers to a complicated idea, thing or phenomenon. In this
case, defining the word may be the subject of the entire essay (“What is Freedom?”).

Why? What is the purpose?

Definitions enable a shared understanding of technical terms or key concepts between writer and
reader. Formal definitions are for explaining key terms or technical words in a composition.
Extended definitions are for: (1) exploring abstract concepts that might mean different things to
different people, i.e. “love”; (2) explaining technical or theoretical terms that are complex, i.e.
“metafiction”; and, (3) clarifying the way in which a word has changed in meaning over the
years, i.e. “gay.”

When is definition required?

Formal definitions are often required:
When the term is obscure or not likely to be known by the reader. When a precise, shared
understanding of the term is necessary to the discipline.
Extended definitions are often required:
When the word is often misunderstood. When the word is abstract and thus subject to
philosophical inquiry. When a new or enhanced meaning of the word is being proposed or
argued for.

Philosophy: What is “evil,” according to Kantian ethics?

Visual Arts: How do the paintings of Georgia O’Keefe express elements of abstraction?
Even as they are representational?
Psychology: Discuss problems in the diagnosis and treatment of narcissism.
Management: What is stewardship?
Geography: Evaluate the arguments for and against the greenhouse effect.
Choosing a Definition
Choosing a definition is a key step in writing a definition essay. You need to understand the term before you can
define it for others. Read the dictionary, but don't just copy the definition. Explain the term briefly in your own
words. Also, it's important to limit your term before you start defining it. For example, you could write forever on
the term "love." To limit it, you would write about either "romantic love," "platonic love," or "first love."

Types of Definitions Traditionally Used in Definition Essays

Any combination of these traditional types of definitions can help clarify meaning for the reader
of your definition essay:

Analysis: Divide the subject into parts and define each part separately.
Classification: According to dictionary definitions, what classes does the subject belong
to?
Comparison: The unfamiliar may be defined by showing its likeness to the familiar or its
difference from it.
Details: What are the physical characteristics, traditional thoughts, and other
distinguishing attributes that describe the subject of the paper?
Examples and Incidents: Narrate illustrations that can clarify a group, theory, or object.
Negation: Mention what it is not in order to clear the ground for what it is.
Origins and Causes: Where did the subject come from? What is the background
information? What is the history of the subject?
Results, Effects, and Uses: Discuss the consequences and uses of the subject.
Process Analysis: Explain how it works or functions.

Thesis Statement of a Definition Essay

The thesis statement usually identifies the term being defined and provides a brief, basic definition.
(term) (basic definition)
Ex: Assertiveness is standing up for your rights.

How To Write an Effective Definition

1. Create a definition. There are several ways to define a term. Here are a few options.
o Define by function. Explain what something does or how something works.
o Define by structure. Tell how something is organized or put together.
o Define by analysis. Compare the term to other members of its class and then illustrate the
differences. These differences are special characteristics that make the term stand out. For
example, compare a Siberian husky to other dogs, such as lap dogs, mutts, or sporting dogs.
(term) (precise definition)
Ex: A Siberian husky is a dog reputed for its ability to tolerate cold, its distinctive features, and
its keen strength and stamina.
o Define by what the term does not mean. This distinction can sometimes clarify a
definition and help a reader to better understand it. If you're defining the idea of "home,"
you could begin by suggesting that the old saying "There's no place like home" is silly
because there are, in fact, many places like home — or you could insist that home is
really not a place at all. The opportunity to define is an opportunity to exercise your
poetic imagination, to show how most people's sense of something is faulty or inadequate
and that there is a better understanding (yours!) to consider.
2. Use understandable facts, examples, or anecdotes. Select facts, examples, or anecdotes to
fully explain your definition. Ask yourself, "Which examples will best help readers
understand the term? What examples would most appeal to my readers? Will a brief story
reveal the term's meaning?" Do not use any examples that will not support the definition. In
selecting a topic to define, look for something that you can define within your own
experience and that will allow your poetic imagination some room to play. It might be a big
mistake for your English instructor to define reggae or rap music, but there are many students
who could do a great job. If you try to define something that is beyond the comprehension of
your paper or your own experience, the task will become overwhelming and get mired down
in details or abstractions. You could write a book trying to define a concept such as
conservatism or liberalism and you still wouldn't have said anything that more than two other
people would agree with. Students would be wise to avoid abstract notions such as
patriotism, beauty, justice, love, or being a good sport

Remember: A definition essay is writing that explains what a term means. When writing a
definition essay, remember to tell readers what term is being defined, to present a clear and
basic definition, and to use facts, examples, or anecdotes that readers will understand. On the
other hand, it can be useful — even fun — to take a rather abstract notion and put a spin on
it. There doesn't appear to be much point in defining a student, for example, but defining
what we mean by a good student could be interesting. Push that definition to the limit to
make a special point. A good student is not necessarily one that earns good grades or even
one that does his or her best; a good student is one that makes the teacher feel like a good
teacher. Or try defining a good teacher, a good parent, a good doctor, and a good lover. In
any case, if you are going to define something that everyone else has some idea about, you
will need to shed fresh, even surprising light upon your subject.

Definition:
Examples: A definition essay may try and define . . .
* the meaning of an abstract concept, like love;
* the true meaning and importance of honesty;
* how the meaning of family goes deeper than just your blood relatives.
A definition essay attempts to define a specific term. It could try to pin down the meaning of a
specific word, or define an abstract concept. The analysis goes deeper than a simple dictionary
definition; it should attempt to explain why the term is defined as such. It could define the term
directly, giving no information other than the explanation of the term. Or, it could imply the
definition of the term, telling a story that requires the reader to infer the meaning.

Questions:
What is the term that the speaker is trying to define?
Did someone teach her the meaning of the term, or did she really learn from her own
experience?
Is the term defined here presented with more complex reasoning than a dictionary
definition?
Some rhetorical points about defining things:
Avoid using the phrases "is where" and "is when" in your definition: "Total Quality
Management is when management and labor agree to. . . ." "A computer virus is
where . . . ."
Avoid circular definitions (repeating the defined term within the predicate, the
definition itself): "A computer virus is a virus that destroys or disrupts software . . . ."
Avoid using a too narrow definition, one that would unduly limit the scope of your
paper: "Reggae music is sung on the Caribbean island of Jamaica. . . ."

Points to Ponder:
Are there any fresh ideas enlisted in this definition? How would you have defined this
idea? Are there ideas similar to it that you could choose to define?
There are allusions here: (1) to the musical Damn Yankees!, (2) to the Bible (the
parable of the Good Samaritan), and (3) to a poem by Robert Frost. Do these allusions
add anything to the essay or to your understanding of things? What if you didn't "get"
the allusions?
What techniques of development does the essay use in the process of definition? Do
you think the writer dwelt too long on what a Yankee is not before moving on to what
a Yankee is?
Can you point to one sentence that functions as thesis statement in this essay?

Sample Definition Essay

What is This Thing Called Love?

A wise man once said that love is a wonderful thing. Although this statement leaves sparse
room for argument, it does little to define what love is beyond the vague realm of wonderful.
It is my duty as a devout romantic to embark upon the seemingly difficult task of defining
love by looking at the history, explaining what love is not, and examining the uses of love
and the results of that usage.

(Origin and Causes)

The origin of the word is probably the most logical place to start. As with many words in the
English language, love is a derivative of the Latin word "causemajoraproblemus" which
means "You're miserable when you got it and miserable when you don't." The word was
created to explain the biological phenomenon that existed when certain individuals came into
contact with each other and either remained together or went about their lives separately.
Regardless of the outcome, the relationship was usuallycharacteristic of throat lumps, knotted
stomaches, weak knees, temporary loss of language, sweaty palms, dizzyness, sneezing, and
occasional nausea. Belligerent insanity also resulted. History clearly illustrates this. Can we
ever forget the face that launched a thousand ships? Federally expressingVan Gogh's ear?
The construction of Le Tour Eiffel? All of these were results of love and love lost.
 (Negation)

Star-crossed lovers have stated that love is not hand nor foot nor any part belonging to a man.
Matrimonial ceremonies also claim that love is not jealous or boastful. Let it be stated here
that love also is not a gourmet dish, a domesticated animal, or a latest trend. Love is not a
strategic defense mechanism nor the best kept secret at the Pentagon. Love is not another
seasoning to bottle and stick on the dust-lined shelves of the spice rack. Love is not to be
confused with adhesive tape.

Instead, love is a great counterpart to late, evening thunder storms on hot July nights. Love
goes well with cold pizza on picnic blankets. Love is cold, wet sand between bare toes. Love
is a capitalistic sell-all for novels, Top-40 pop songs, summer movies, and greeting cards.
In its simplest terms, love is a four-letter word. Much like other words of similar letter make
up, when expressed it can evoke laughter, pleasure, pain, anger, and virtually any wave of
reaction. Love also can be confused with feelings of indigestion and gas. Houses have been
built, burned, and banished because of love.

The Real Meaning of Honesty

I think it was my mother who taught me the meaning of honesty. Not because she
actually was honest, but because she lied all the time. She felt that the easiest way out of
any given situation was generally the best way out. And, for her, that generally meant
telling a "little white lie." As a young child I thought it was kind of cool. And, naturally,
when I would come to her with a concern or question wondering what I should do, she
generally advised me to lie.
"Mom, I told Theresa that I would go over to her house, but now I would rather go
to Sue's house to play."
"Tell Theresa you're sick," she would advise. And generally I did. But I didn't seem
blessed with her lack of conscience. On many painful occasions Theresa would find out that
I really went to Sue's house without her. These occasions taught me that it is more painful
to be caught in a lie than it is to tell the truth in the first place. I wondered how it was
possible that my mother had never learned that lesson.
I started thinking of all the lies that I'd heard her tell. I remembered the time she told
someone that her favorite restaurant had closed, because she didn't want to see them there
anymore. Or the time she told Dad that she loved the lawn mower he gave her for her
birthday. Or when she claimed that our phone lines had been down when she was trying to
explain why she hadn't been in touch with a friend of hers for weeks. And what bothered
me even more were all the times she had incorporated me into her lies. Like the time she
told my guidance counselor that I had to miss school for exploratory surgery, when she
really needed me to baby-sit. And it even started to bother me when someone would call for
her and she would ask me to tell them that she wasn't there.
So, I started my own personal fight against her dishonesty. When I answered the
phone and it was someone my mother didn't want to talk to, I said, "Louise, mom is here,
but she doesn't want to talk to you." The first time I did it, I think she grounded me, but I
refused to apologize. I told her that I had decided that it was wrong to lie. And the next
time it happened I did the same thing. Finally, she approached me and said, "I agree that
lying is not the best thing to do, but we need to find a way to be honest without being
 rude." She admitted that her methods weren't right, and I admitted that mine were a bit
too extreme.
Over the past few years, the two of us have worked together to be honest- and yet
kind. Honesty should mean more than not lying. It should mean speaking the truth in
kindness. Though I started by trying to teach my mom the importance of honesty, I ended
up gaining a deeper understanding of the meaning of the term.

Extended Definition Assignment

Whenever someone is learning something new or is unsure about exactly what something is,
they turn to definitions. Definitions are important because they clarify and describe
Introduction
information in such a way that readers can then act on that information confidently. In
to Assignment
extended communication extended definitions are frequently used to help people solve
problems and to communicate information to multiple audiences.
Write and design a extended definition that is appropriate for a specific audience in a specific
Assignment
context

In this assignment you will define something using multiple types of examples in your
extended definition. You will write with a specific audience and context in mind. Once you
Assignment
choose the subject of your extended definition, you need to complete research in order to fully
Details
understand it. You must also cite the sources you use within the text and include a
bibliography. You will create this document using a memo format.

1. Does the extended definition contain three types of definitions?

2. Is the extended definition rhetorically successful--Does it meet the needs of the audience(s)
and the context in which it will be used?
Criteria for
3. Is the style plain and simple?
Assessing
4. Is the definition accurate?
Assignment
5. Has the writer cited sources within the text and included a bibliography at the end?
6. Is the definition free of grammatical and mechanical errors?
7. If the definition uses visuals, and are they clearly designed?